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Suction lipoplasty or liposuction removes excess fat deposits, which cause localized bulges in various areas of the body. Through tiny incisions, small tubes are used to suction away the fat deposits.
Liposuction
can help your clothing fit better, as well as improve your appearance in a
bathing suit. After liposuction, many patients describe the ability to buy
clothes that "really fit" - they don't have to buy larger sizes to
accommodate the areas of excessive fatty tissue accumulation.
Suction
lipoplasty is not designed for weight reduction. It is a contouring procedure,
removing bulges to blend body outlines more aesthetically. Areas of the body
where fat deposits can cause localized bulges include the neck, upper arms,
upper and lower abdomen, flank areas (love handles), inner thighs, outer thighs
and hips (saddlebags), buttocks, knee areas, calves, and ankles.
There are
two layers or compartments of fat on your body - a superficial layer which has
a fairly even thickness over most of the body, and deep compartments, which
exist mainly in the areas just mentioned. If you are not overweight, but have a
localized bulge in these areas, you have excess fat in the deep compartment.
Deposits of deep compartment fat are hereditary, and usually do not respond
normally to diet and exercise. Superficial compartment fat, on the other hand,
increases significantly with weight and decreases with weight loss. Suction
lipoplasty primarily removes deep compartment fat deposits to remove bulges.
The quality
and elasticity of the overlying skin has a major impact on the success of
suction lipoplasty. When fat is suctioned to remove a bulge, the overlying skin
must shrink or contract to fit the new profile. Dr. Morris will discuss the
elasticity of your skin during your consultation. The good news is that most patients generally
have some areas where the skin elasticity is amenable to liposuction.
Although
there is no absolute age at which the skin becomes too loose for the procedure,
after age 50 to 55 (or occasionally sooner), the elasticity of the skin begins
to decrease in most patients.
To
summarize, a good candidate for suction lipoplasty should have localized fat
deposits (not be extremely overweight), and have reasonably elastic skin
overlying the areas of concern. This can
be determined during your consultation with Dr. Morris.
Limitations
and Risks
Suction
lipoplasty does not significantly reduce your body weight - rather, it is
intended to improve contour in the areas treated.
When fat is
removed from beneath the skin, the skin can become somewhat looser. The degree
of looseness depends on the elastic qualities of your skin before surgery and
the amount of fat removed. If your skin is excessively lax before the
procedure, the additional looseness after suctioning may be undesirable. In
this situation, you may require excision of some tissue for an optimal result.
As mentioned the cellulite or contouring treatments may also help in this
situation. For many patients their primary concern is appearance in clothing;
therefore, looseness of skin which is not usually detectable in clothing, is
not an issue.
The amount
of fat which can be removed depends on the amount present in each deposit. It is important to leave a thin layer of
normal fat beneath the skin to prevent rippling or dimpling of the skin
surface. Suctioning can only remove fat. If you have a bulge due to muscle or
bone it will not be removed.
If you have
a rippled or "cellulite" appearance of the skin prior to suction, it
will not be eliminated by the procedure. It is possible to see small areas of
skin rippling, dimpling, or contour irregularities following suction
lipoplasty.
You will
have some swelling, bruising, and numbness over the treated areas. These
usually resolve in 2-3 weeks or sooner, and you'll notice feeling starting to
return (if it was decreased) in about 2 weeks. Although you'll see an immediate
contour change, it may take several weeks for improvement to be maximal.
The Operation
Before your suction lipoplasty, Dr. Morris
will very carefully outline the areas of bulging which are to be suctioned, and
draw detailed lines to further define the shape and contour characteristics of
the fat deposit.
Tiny
incisions are made in concealed areas where possible. We then infiltrate a solution to reduce blood
and fluid loss. This is the tumescent technique, which Dr. Morris uses
exclusively. This is the most important technique to look for when comparing methods
of liposuction. He also uses power
assisted liposuction which helps reduce the effort needed to remove the tissue.
Quite often
plastic and other surgeons use technology as a marketing tool, touting
"ultrasound" and "laser" assisted liposuction. Quite often
these other methods are more expensive or can produce higher complication
rates. No liposuction technique is going
to give you a "six pack" unless you already have one under the fat
being removed.
Small
suction tubes are inserted to the proper depth of the fat deposit. The tube or
cannula is then passed back and forth until an appropriate amount of fat has
been removed. It is then moved a small distance, and the process is repeated.
The entire bulging area is treated in this fashion, carefully removing small
amounts at a time, and constantly checking fat thickness and contour as
suctioning proceeds.
After
suctioning is complete in one area, the opposite side is treated in the same
way, comparing the two sides and adjusting to best match. Finally, the
incisions are carefully closed, and an elastic garment is placed to put gentle pressure
on the skin to prevent excess fluid accumulating in the area suctioned.
All of your
incisions will be carefully closed with stitches and hopefully you will have
fine line scars. You'll be able to shower or bathe after your garment is
removed in our office - usually 6 days following your procedure.
Following
suction lipoplasty procedures, most patients have mild to moderate discomfort.
Many compare the discomfort to the muscle soreness one gets from exercising
after a long period of inactivity. The discomfort is readily controlled with
medication and generally lasts only a few days.
To minimize
fluid collection and swelling in the treated areas, we'll ask you to wear the
elastic garment we provide for you, depending on the areas treated and the
extent of your procedure.
Recovery
You may
develop bruising in the treated areas, which will gradually decrease over 7-21
days, depending on your tissue characteristics.
The Stages of Recovery
:
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Hospitalization time:
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Outpatient* | |
Bruising and swelling resolve: |
7-21 days | |
Return to work, social activity: |
2-3 days | |
Aerobic or strenuous activity: |
14 days |
* Unless very many
areas are treated, or a large volume of fat is removed.
We encourage return to most normal activity as soon as
possible. Your garment must remain in place until you return for suture removal
on the 6th day following your procedure. This will ensure the best result
possible. Our patients are extremely pleased and excited about their new shape,
which expands clothing options and helps improve appearance in a bathing or
work-out suit as well.
Here are some Before and After Photos from Dr. Morris patients. These are pictures from patients that Dr. Morris has worked on personally.
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